An offer from a stranger

Chapter 5

Ariel

My stomach grumbled the moment I stepped into the café. I didn't bother to look at the name because I wouldn't be staying for long.

Grabbing a bite of any burger they sold and gulping down a cup of strong black coffee to keep me energized was my goal and as soon as I achieved that, I'd take a train that would take me to another state.

My heart thumped hard against my chest with panic. I kept passing glances, hoping that no one was trailing me.

It was past noon and if my calculations were right, the wedding should be over already. Though Guilia had asked me not to worry about her safety, I couldn't help the fear that sprang up each time I thought about her.

Turning back and going home looked like a good option, but that would make me a coward and make all of my efforts to escape look like a joke.

After ascertaining that I wasn't being followed, I walked to the stand and ordered a cup of coffee and a plate of hamburger. Fortunately, the café was quite empty save for the staff who worked there and a few customers littered around.

Most of them had their attention glued to their laptop screens, probably working and here I was wishing to disappear from the surface of the earth.

The waiter winked, flashing a flirty smile in my direction. "Please, be patient, Miss. The burger is been heated up." He informed me even when I didn't ask for it.

I ignored his flirtatious gaze and tucked my hair behind my ear.

"Oh, thank you. I guess I'll have to wait," I mouthed, searching for a table at the secluded part of the café where I could hide and enjoy my meal.

His fingers brushed against mine when I made to leave and I narrowed my eyes, fixing a puzzled look at him.

It was obvious he didn't know who he was dealing with. If he did this in Chicago where I came from, he'd have lost his hand; however, this state wasn't under my father's jurisdiction and he could do as he pleased.

He quickly put on an innocent smile and giggled. His weird acts were irritating and I couldn't wait to leave.

"You could sit here and wait until your burger is ready, besides, I'd love to know the name of the beautiful lady standing before me."

I chuckled, angrily, but he didn't seem to notice because he still had the fake sweet smile on his face. This was the point where I wished everyone knew who I truly was so that they could avoid me.

Not wanting to sound rude, I patted the back of his hand and snatched the plate and cup of coffee. "Don't worry, I'll tell you my name the next time we meet."

I scurried towards the empty table I'd found and settled down.

Getting sick with worry, I reached for my burner phone which was in the pocket of my baggy shorts and boom! I was greeted with a message.

My stomach churned and my heart did a double flip when I saw Guilia's terrifying message.